Scholars desiring to study in the United States need an F-1 student visa, valid for an extended study duration. Whenever you are admitted to a United States university, applying for your visa as soon as possible is suggested. A wait in the application may lead to visa refusal, which is an occurrence people want to avoid. The perfect time for applying for a student visa is anytime between 4 months from the school direction.
Table of Contents
United States F1 Student Visa Timeline
Note: It is essential to remember that you can not file a visa application three months before the program exposure to be maintained in your desired United States academic institution. As such, the following processes of F1 student visa filing in these 4-5 months before your school exposure. Every step possesses its own significance and implementation timeline. Let us know the stage-by-stage procedure, from applying for an F1 student visa to obtaining an authorized visa and traveling to the United States of America.
Stage 1: Obtain an offer letter from United States College
Applications in a United States University is guaranteed when you obtain an offer letter verifying the same. After obtaining this letter, you can expect the university to authorize you Form 1-20
Stage 2: Obtain SEVIS-developed 1-20 Form
SEVIS represents Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. For one to obtain the SEVIS-developed 1-20 form, you are required to make payment for the SEVIS I-901 fee. The visa official needs this Form 8 during the F-1 Student Visa consultation. In situations where you desire to travel with your partner or family with kids, those living with you at the time of your program of study would need them to have the 1-20s form, respectively. Their forms would not be required to undergo the SEVIS registration procedures since they would be flying as dependents and would not be learning at your university in the United States.
Should you find this piece engaging, we kindly invite you to explore the wealth of content in our other articles:
Stage 3: File the F1 student visa
The application procedure for filing an F1 student visa differs based on the United States embassy you work with. Therefore, the visa application payment can not be refunded anywhere. You may fill out the online visa registration form, Form DS-160, and print and take it along with your interview.
Stage 4: Show up for the visa interview
To pass through this stage, you are required to get your interview ready with the United States Embassy any time between three months from the date of college orientation. The delaying period for the interview may differ based on the period of the year, location of residence, and the class of visa applied. It implies that you should apply for your visa as soon as possible. Go through the list of documents needed for the F-1 visa interview.
Stage 5: Guarantee your visa approval
Prepare for every document, the interview, dress appropriately, nail the interview, and go on your trip to the United States.
Stage 6: Be part of the college orientation
Once your visa is approved, ensure that you have sufficient time to get all your plans carried out before traveling. The least needed time to perform this stage perfectly would be two weeks before your school orientation. At the earliest, you can travel to the United States only 30 days before your course orientation. Having this carried out in advance would assist you to settle in an unfamiliar nation and have pleasure in your orientation week in school. As there is no confirmation of visa acceptance, you should often prepare for your trip after obtaining your visa approval. The perfect way to elevate the possibility of your visa acceptance is by filing on time. Having in mind the perfect timeline for visa filing is essential.
